An Appeal from the Bishop for the LEGAL DEFENSE FUND

Transcription

1 Pentecost 2010 An Appeal from the Bishop for the LEGAL DEFENSE FUND Dear Faithful Parishioners, It is time for every loyal parishioner in the Diocese to step forward and make a contribution to our Legal Defense Fund. Every gift matters every donation is important! Our goal is to raise a minimum of $1 million to cover our legal fees as a result of the litigation brought against us by The Episcopal Church and its local supporters. At stake is everything we have as a Diocese ownership of Camp Crucis and the Diocesan Center, our churches and property, our bank accounts and investments, our clergy and our Bishop. TEC wants it all! As you know, by a margin of 80% our 2008 Diocesan Convention voted to remove all references to The Episcopal Church from our Constitution and Canons. TEC was formed as a voluntary association, and it remains so today. A diocese can withdraw from TEC by a Convention vote, just as it joined TEC by a Convention vote. However, the minority group who disagreed with this decision claimed that we did not have the legal right to do so and declared that all our church property actually belongs to TEC. They held a bogus meeting in 2009 where they attempted to replace all the legitimate officers of the Diocese and the Corporation of the Diocese, and they later declared all our clergy were deposed from the ordained ministry. It is this bogus group of representatives who have sued us, the real Diocese and the real Corporation, demanding that we turn over all our property and assets to them! While this fairy tale may have initially confused the Tarrant County trial court, the Appellate Court was not confused and ruled on June 25th that these individuals could not sue us in the name of the Diocese and of the Corporation, but only as individuals. They have now refiled their suit in their own names. In the end, we are confident that the Texas courts will enforce our state laws governing corporations and property ownership. In addition, we have been dragged into a second court case (this one in Hood County) where TEC supporters are trying to prevent St. Andrew s Episcopal Church in Fort Worth from receiving funds left to them in a bequest by a parishioner. TEC wants the money sent to them instead! I am saddened by the necessity of having to defend ourselves in these lawsuits. We did not initiate this litigation, and in fact, we have done everything we could to avoid it. From the beginning, we asked the disenchanted minority to join us in developing a reasonable plan to divide the property and assets of the Diocese so that we all could continue to carry on God s work without the distractions created by litigation. In fact, the Corporation deeded their church property to Trinity Church in Fort Worth, St. Luke s in Stephenville, and St. Martin s in Keller, because these parishes wished to remain in TEC. We were in the process of doing the same for others when TEC cont. on page 2

2 filed suit against us, demanding all of our property. The Presiding Bishop of TEC has insisted that TEC must have ALL of the assets and property of our Diocese. Given that position, we have had no alternative but to engage legal counsel to protect our interests and to bring this process to an end at the earliest possible time. It is the strategy of TEC in all of its litigation to make it as expensive as possible for those it sues, so that they either give up or are unable to continue the process of litigation. The only way we have been able to defend our congregations in court so far is through the generous support of Dick and Marsland Moncrief. To date the Moncriefs and a few others have contributed about $900,000 to our defense, and the litigation costs continue! I feel the time has now come for our legal fees to be shared by all concerned members of this diocese, not just a few, and for that reason I am asking for your support. Please consider making a special gift to this fund, which will qualify as a tax-deductible charitable donation to the Diocese. Though one-time gifts are great, it would help if you could pledge a certain amount over a period of several weeks or months. With your help, we are optimistic about our goal of securing our legal position as a diocese, but it is a very expensive process. In the event that our funds are not exhausted before litigation ends, the balance will be directed toward the mission of the Church. Thank you for considering this need. Do uphold this whole campaign in your prayers! Faithfully in Christ, The Rt. Rev. Jack Leo Iker Bishop of Fort Worth Questions and Answers about the litigation How did this controversy end up in court? Aren t Christians supposed to be able to solve their differences without resorting to lawsuits? We are in court as defendants, in a suit brought against us by The Episcopal Church and their local supporters. Yes, we offered out-of-court settlements and even deeded church property to them, but this was not acceptable to the other side. They don t want just what s theirs - they want what s ours as well! What s at stake if we lose in the courts? All church property and assets would be placed under the control of TEC. Our clergy and Bishop would be removed from the churches and replaced by TEC loyalists. Only those who swore allegiance to the revisionist doctrines and practices of TEC could hold any office. Finally, they would need to sell some of the property they acquired in order to recover their own legal expenses. 2 Forward In Mission ~ Pentecost 2010

3 How much has this lawsuit cost us, and how much more it is likely to require? Since the litigation was filed against us in April 2009, we have spent close to $1 million in attorney fees. Considering that the case will likely end up before the Texas Supreme Court, even with our attorneys reducing their hourly rates as low as possible, we can anticipate at least an additional $1 million to see it through to a conclusion. With roughly 8,000 households in the diocese, this amount could be raised through individual contributions of $125 per family, at a rate of $25 per month over five months. 750 $1, $111 The chart at right breaks down the $1 million goal, showing average pledges needed depending on the number of participating households. If each household contributes as it is able, the goal can be reached in a timely way. Who has paid the bills for all this? Number of Participants Pledge Amount Questions and Answers, cont. Number of Pledge Payments Amount of Each Payment 8,000 $125 5 $25 4,000 $250 5 $50 1,000 $1, $84 Dick and Marsland Moncrief have stepped forward and paid nearly all of this, but this one family should not be expected to bear the entire burden for the rest of us! Every parishioner should help bear some of this load, and that is why we have launched this Legal Defense Fund Appeal. It is our battle, not someone else s! Be assured that no funds have come from church assessments or the diocesan budget. The mission work of the diocese continues. While we have made cuts in spending as these challenging economic times have demanded, we have not done so to divert funds for litigation. How many people support the TEC position, and how many stand with Bishop Iker? It is roughly a 20/80 split. The convention delegates who voted to separate from TEC in 2008, the number of congregations aligning with Bishop Iker, and the average Sunday attendance of those remaining with the diocese since the split are a solid 80% of the total. Why should we give money for lawyer fees, when we would rather support the ministry of the Church? The lawyers we have hired are devout Christians who see the battle we are engaged in as spiritual warfare. Defending the truth of the historic faith and practice of the Church is part of our ministry as a diocese. Our legal team is attempting to protect our churches from a hostile takeover, and their fees are well below the normal attorney fees. No lawyer gets rich on court cases involving church controversies. Without this representation, we would be overwhelmed by the other side. Our attorneys believe in what we are standing up for as Christians, and they deserve fair compensation for their services. They see their professional work as part of their ministry. How can we learn more? Attend your deanery s Pre-Convention meeting in October, or ask your priest for an update. Also, check the diocesan Web site, for regular updates. Forward In Mission ~ Pentecost

4 Litigation Perspective FROM OUR LEAD ATTORNEY,J.SHELBY SHARPE The litigation that The Episcopal Church has filed in Tarrant County and Hood County needs to be put in proper perspective for your understanding and to obtain a sense of peace in your heart. Keep these thoughts in mind as you pray: Heading our legal team First, the litigation is contrary to 1 Corinthians 6: 1-7. Thus, God is not the author of the suit although He has allowed it to happen. Second, the response to the suit by your leaders is based on sound law that, if followed by the court, should result in a defeat for those bringing the litigation. Third, The Episcopal Church is asking for property that it did not buy nor does it have any legal or ecclesiastical right to receive. Fourth, your leaders who have been sued have conducted themselves in accordance with law, pertinent ecclesiastical documents, and the Scriptures. Fifth, the response of your leaders seeks no relief from the court that is contrary to any Scripture. Sixth, the response of your leaders to those suing them will be made in a Christ-honoring manner, whether in or out of court. Seventh, pray for those representing your leaders that God will lead and guide them so that He is glorified in all that is done. Eighth, pray for the leaders of The Episcopal Church and the others who have brought the suit that they will hear and obey what God would have them do. Ninth, pray that your leaders and all who support them will be a good testimony to those who do not know the Lord who are watching the litigation so these lost people will not be discouraged from seeking Jesus. This includes speaking no evil of those who have brought the suit. Tenth, pray for each court before whom the suit goes, that God will protect each from any influence other than His, and that justice will be the basis for every ruling. J. Shelby Sharpe. Born 1940 Fort Worth, Texas. Education: University of Texas (B.A. 1962, J.D. 1965); Director, Fort Worth-Tarrant County Bar Association, Chair, State Bar of Texas Committee on Administration of Justice, Practice areas: Media Law; Insurance Defense; Constitutional Litigation; Complex Litigation. Member, Christ Chapel Bible Church, Fort Worth. Scott A. Brister. Born 1954 Waco, Texas. Education: Duke University (B.A. 1977), Harvard Law School ( J.D. 1980). Judge, 234th District Court, ; Texas Courts of Appeals, ; Texas State Supreme Court, Currently in private practice; board certified in civil trial and civil appellate law. Member, Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA), Austin. R. David Weaver. Born 1950, Waco, Texas. Education: Baylor University ( J.D. 1982). Practice areas include Alternative Dispute Resolution, General Business and Commercial Matters, Income Tax and Property Tax Matters. Member, St. Alban s Episcopal Church, Arlington. 4 Forward In Mission ~ Pentecost 2010

5 Young diocese chooses 37-year-old bishop Malawi native elected bishop of our companion diocese On Saturday, June 26, representatives of our companion diocese of Northern Malawi gathered in the nation's capital city, Lilongwe, to elect their third bishop. There were 12 electors from the diocese and 10 electors from elsewhere in the Province of Central Africa. A two-thirds majority was required for election. From a field of five candidates the electors chose the Rev. Canon Fanuel E.C. Magangani, Fr. Fanuel Magangani at St. Andrew s, Fort Worth the former dean of St. Peter's Cathedral on Likoma Island, where Fr. Magangani will return, if his election is confirmed, to be consecrated bishop. The court of confirmation is to meet on Saturday, Sept. 4. The bishop-elect was born on Nov. 14, When he was 12, he and his two younger siblings were orphaned when their mother was struck by lightning; their father had died earlier of a heart attack. The Mother's Union encouraged him to stay in school and paid his fees. Fanuel graduated in 1995 from the Malawi College of Distance Education. Dr. Glen Petta of Fort Worth remembers meeting him on Likoma Island in 1996: Fanuel was one of the people helping our mission team with our bags and with translation. When we traveled back to the mainland, Fanuel wasn't going to be able to go with us because the ferry required passengers to wear shoes, and Fanuel didn't have any shoes. I gave him my extra pair of shoes, and that is how our relationship began. With the encouragement of the Rt. Rev. Jackson Biggers, first Bishop of Northern Malawi, and the support of St. Andrew s, Fort Worth, Fanuel attended seminary in Malawi, graduating and making his first visit to the U.S. in While in Fort Worth he took part in a Happening conference and celebrated his birthday with a party for the first time. Returning to Malawi, he began parish ministry by planting a church, which he named St. Andrew's. In 2003, a new bishop, the Rt. Rev. Christopher Boyle, made Fr. Fanuel the Dean at St. Peter's. Bishop Boyle brought him to Fort Worth with a team of young leaders in November of that year. In 2005, Dean Magangani obtained a diploma in theology from Malawi's Theological Education by Extension school. In 2008 he left Likoma to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree at Mzuzu University, and Bishop Boyle appointed him chaplain to the sisters at St. Mary's Convent. He completed his studies with distinction this spring, and he has been accepted by Nashotah House Seminary for a program leading to a Masters Degree, which may bring him to the U.S. for a period of summer study. Fr. Magangani and Fr. Magangani deep in the heart of Texas his wife, Beatrice, a schoolteacher, visited the U.S. in 2006, spending time with several congregations around the diocese. They have one son, 11-year-old Praise; their household includes three other dependent relatives. Si quis, a type of banns announcing the election of a bishop, have been posted at St. Peter's Cathedral. This is to be followed by the Sept. 4 court of confirmation. If approved, the bishop-elect is expected to be consecrated later in the year. Please keep Fr. Fanuel, Beatrice, and the people of the Diocese of Northern Malawi in your prayers. Forward In Mission ~ Pentecost

6 Equipping the Saints Wise County team takes blueprint to Springdale Burgers were already on the grill when the 10- person mission team from Ascension & St. Mark s Church in Wise County drove up to St. Gabriel s in Springdale, Ark., in the early evening on June 14. But it was the aroma of Christ (2 Cor. 2:15) that filled the air for the entire four days they spent together, working, worshipping, studying, and sight-seeing. The two congregations were brought together by their vicars, Fr. DeWayne Adams and Fr. John Slavin, at last year s diocesan convention, when the Arkansas church, headed by Fr. Slavin, was admitted to the diocese. The two priests kept in touch over the ensuing months by phone, , and Facebook. Fr. Slavin (left) and Fr. Adams prepare for a presentation to the St. Gabriel's Vestry. Fr. Slavin took his visitors to see Christ of the Ozarks St. Gabriel s has spent most of the 20 years since its founding as a continuing church, maintaining a 1928 Prayer Book tradition without the benefits of belonging to a larger Anglican body. As the Episcopal churches around them adopted progressive theology and practices, the congregation at St. Gabriel s grew. Priests came and went, however, and the congregation lacked continuity of leadership. When Fr. Slavin arrived two years ago, he found he was the one-man Altar Guild and Buildings & Grounds crew, which left a lot less time than he liked for hospital visits or Bible studies. Meanwhile in Wise County, Fr. Adams was blessed with hard-working servants of the Lord who did not think of themselves as missionaries. Now they know differently, says Fr. Adams. Since in this diocese we are Equipping the Saints for the Work of the Ministry, this vision was conceived as one to help Fr. John equip the saints in Springdale. Since they had recently come into the diocese, it was an opportunity to share how a mission congregation functions in the context of the diocese. And so they went. Evenings in Springdale were spent enjoying fellowship over the dinners provided by St. Gabriel s, then gathering in groups for presentations from the blueprint for a mission church prepared by ASM. Sessions were held with Altar Guild, vestry, and lay readers. During the days, willing hands went to work on needed maintenance projects, indoors and out. Dry wall was repaired, light bulbs replaced, brass polished, and stairs and ramps were reinforced. The Sacristy was emptied, and all the vestments were laid out on pews while the room was reorganized and restocked. The fix-ups were refreshing and encouraging to the Springdale congregation. 6 Forward In Mission ~ Pentecost 2010

7 David Peet and Fr. Slavin headed to a building supply store for a few dozen florescent bulbs, wire shelving, and other supplies. Not only did they fix many structural problems, says Fr. Slavin, but more importantly they helped to finally put to rest many spiritual problems that have plagued us as a parish. Everyone felt that the time spent together was the greatest blessing. ASM s Mary Howard was the houseguest of a St. Gabriel s family. She recalls, I was amazed at the sense of love and belonging I felt from the moment we opened the car door and smelled the burgers cooking. There were no strangers, ever! Now I have faces and hearts to put with the names I see on Facebook. The love of God and His Son made the trip a family affair. Fr. Slavin was thrilled for the members of his congregation. As a parish that has struggled to forge its new identity after the formation of the Anglican Church in North America, and one that lives an isolated existence here in northwest Arkansas, the mission trip helped solidify us with the people of the diocese. The diocese is no longer simply a logo, or a photograph, or a Web site. These generous souls put a face to the diocese that many of our members, due to the distance between our church and the Fort Worth area, have never seen. They showed how much our diocese cares about each of us. St. Gabriel s member Alice Ann Moore echoes his thoughts. They were awesome to leave their community and travel to ours with such generosity in their hearts. And they were fun to have around, too! Like Fr. Slavin, Fr. Adams has reflected on the benefits of the trip. Our people from ASM were blessed by this mission. The people of St. Gabriel s were gracious hosts, provided wonderful food and fellowship for us, and made us feel welcome and blessed to be their brothers and sisters in Christ. I believe churches should build relationships like that which has developed between ASM and St. Gabriel s. Ours began when Fr. John and I were brought together by [ASM Senior Warden] David Peet. From these relationships opportunities for mission and cooperative ministry can make themselves known under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. St. Gabriel s Church Our hearts need to be knit together for the sake of the Gospel. We are all one in Christ. The Sacristy after its extreme makeover. Materials from the Blueprint for Mission program, including videotapes of several training sessions, are available through David Peet, Senior Warden of Ascension & St. Mark s. Write to him at mail@davidpeet.com. Forward In Mission ~ Pentecost

8 Around the Diocese Hospice volunteers needed The American Hospice Foundation is seeking volunteers to assist with general office work or to give support to patients and families. "We are always looking for compassionate people who are willing to share their lives with our hospice patients," says Sherry Hawkins, volunteer coordinator in the Fort Worth office. The hospice has offices in west Fort Worth, Cleburne, Denton, Jacksboro, and Wichita Falls, among other Texas cities. Anyone who is interested may call or (toll-free) to discuss possibilities Summer Book Drive winds down Our summer book drive brought in hundreds of books from around the diocese. This generous outpouring made it possible to give books to children at Union Gospel Mission in Fort Worth and to Mission Granbury. These two mission agencies love to encourage children to read and enjoy books. Books were also distributed to very Angel Tree child and many of the scholarship recipients who attended Summer Camp at Camp Crucis this year. This simple project has helped to bring parents and preschool children a little closer and to keep school-aged youngsters reading skills sharp over the summer break. We hope everyone enjoyed participating! $130 by Oct. 1 NO EXCUSES! To attend the Oct diocesan Men s Retreat, contact Joe Francis at or josephfrancis@earthlink.net. Pro-life Ministry resources online The diocesan Web site now includes a page detailing pro-life ministry resources. Many opportunities for education and witness are available to both clergy and laity. See fwepiscopal.org. A group of middle school students from the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, Ala., stopped by Iglesia San Miguel on June 28 to visit Fr. Sergio Diaz and several members of the southeast Fort Worth congregation. The youth group was on a four-day Mystery Trip, with several other stops arranged by their parish youth ministers. Campus ministries ready for fall The diocese sponsors Christian ministry and fellowship on several local college campuses. For students at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, the University of Texas in Arlington, and Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, please contact Fr. Christopher Culpepper at cpculpepper@gmail.com, and he will follow up. Students of Baylor University in Waco should contact Dr. Jeff Fish at jeff_fish@baylor.edu. Any student on these campuses is welcome to participate. 8 Forward In Mission ~ Pentecost 2010

9 Around the Diocese St. Anselm s announces fall courses St. Anselm s School of Theology will begin classes Sept. 11 for the academic year. Classes are held at St. Peter & St. Paul, Arlington, on the second Saturday of each month from September through May. The courses offered are Old Testament I & II, New Testament I & II, Church History I & II, Anglican Church History, Sacramental Ministry of Deacons, Systematic Theology, and Spiritual (Ascetic) Theology. The school is open to everyone; however, the course offerings are designed to provide the required academic preparation for those seeking ordination to the permanent diaconate. The fee is $30/class/month plus a $10 usage fee/month for the parish. For example, one class will cost $40/month, two classes $70/month. Tuition is due in September or may be paid on a monthly basis. Contact Deacon Lana Farley at or dnlana@prodigy.net. For those discerning a call to ordained ministry, there will be a Day of Discovery on Saturday, Sept. 25. Contact Deacon Lana for details. Tenth annual tournament reaches goal Two hundred forty golfers from parishes all over the Diocese of Fort Worth teed off on Friday, June 4, at Squaw Valley Golf Course in Glen Rose for a great cause: to generate funds for improvements and Summer Camp scholarships at Camp Crucis. This year s event raised a little over $25,000. Results of the tournament and photos taken throughout the day are on the diocesan website, fwepiscopal.org. You can print any copies you like. This tournament again provided the opportunity for members and friends of the diocese to come together for a great day of purpose, golf and fellowship. Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation go out to our parish coordinators, sponsors, participants and to the volunteers who work many hours behind the scenes to insure the tournament s success. Because of all of you, our youth enjoy the benefits when they attend Camp Crucis. We were truly blessed to have Mike Cox and Tom Chatoney both members of St. Stephen s, Hurst donate their cash prizes back to Camp Crucis to be used for additional scholarships. We look forward to seeing all of you at the 11th Annual Bishop Iker Challenge Golf Tournament, to be held on the 1st Friday in June Family Fun Fest celebration on Sept. 18 Make plans now to spend time at Camp Crucis on Saturday, Sept. 18, as our diocesan camp and conference center celebrates its 63rd birthday. It all begins with Holy Eucharist at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch. Fun and games fill the afternoon; there will be swimming, pony rides, a bounce house, arts & crafts, a silent auction, and other activities. A barbeque dinner will be served at 5 p.m., with dancing and a live auction to follow. Advance tickets are available through your parish or the camp office. Don t forget to buy some drawing tickets, too... the grand prize is a cruise for two! See campcrucis.org for details, or call Fund trustees to meet in Fort Worth The trustees of the Anglican Relief and Development Fund will hold their annual meeting Sept in Fort Worth. Five Anglican archbishops sit on the ARDF board, and each will be visiting churches in the diocese during his stay. Please pray for safe travel for all members of the board, and for God s blessing on their work together. Ministry Safe training available All parish staff and volunteers who work with children need certification in child sexual abuse prevention. Our diocese uses online training available at ministrysafe.org. Check with your church office to register and learn how to complete your training. Is your congregation or ministry using social media? Write to sgill@fwepiscopal.org or call Forward In Mission ~ Pentecost

10 The Canon s Corner By The Rev. Canon Charles A. Hough III, Canon to the Ordinary The diocese suffered a significant loss on June 19 with the death of Mabel Roberts Davies, wife of our founding Bishop, the Rt. Rev. A. Donald Davies. High-school sweethearts, they were married 70 years and raised five children. In the 1970s, while her husband served as Bishop of Dallas, Mrs. Davies helped found Good Shepherd Church in Granbury, where her Requiem was held and her ashes were buried, according to her wish. The service was attended by Bishop Davies, their children and grandchildren, a representative of the Diocese of Dallas, and many friends. As reported in the last Canon s Corner, Deacon Andrew Petta has begun his curacy at St. Vincent s Cathedral in Bedford. He will be ordained priest, God willing, on Sept. 29 at St. Vincent s. Andrew is the son of Dr. Glen and Debbie Petta. Dr. Petta is the National Director of Sharing of Ministries Abroad (SOMA). Andrew and his bride, Michelle, are living near the Cathedral. Another recent seminarian, Andy Bartus, has accepted a position at a parish in Los Angeles, where he was ordained to the diaconate in June. We wish him and his wife, Laura, well as they begin their new ministry in California. Samuel Keyes was ordained to the transitional diaconate on June 5 at Holy Apostles, Fort Worth, where he is employed this summer. Deacon Keyes will Mabel Davies enter a Ph.D. program at Boston College in September. Fr. Micah Snell, who has been serving as curate at St. Matthias, Dallas, will begin his doctoral studies this fall at St. Andrew s University in Scotland. We are very proud of these young men who are undertaking sacred ministry in both parish and academics. Fr. Chris Guptill, who has been serving as diocesan curate at Good Shepherd, Granbury, will assist Fr. Dwight Duncan at St. Matthias beginning Sept. 1. St. Andrew s Church in Grand Prairie has just called Fr. Andy Powell at its new rector. Fr. Powell has served previously at churches in Monroe, La., and Midland, Texas. We welcome Fr. Powell to his new ministry in this diocese. Bishop Iker presents a Bible to Deacon Sam Keyes saying, Receive this Bible as the sign of thine authority to proclaim God s Word and to assist in the ministration of his holy Sacraments. Also pictured at the June 5 ordination service are Canon Charles A. Hough and Fr. Christopher Cantrell. Fr. William Crary, our senior active priest and rector of St. Laurence, Grapevine, was honored this spring by Nashotah House Seminary with the Distinguished Alumnus Award, given each year to select priests and bishops who embody in their ministry the witness that the seminary offers the Church. Nashotah House is a seminary that has a passion for forming parish priests. Fr. Crary was honored with this award along with Bishop Keith Ackerman, retired bishop of Quincy, who now lives in North Texas. Both exemplify the high standard of parish priestly ministry. Congratulations to both of them. Fr. Crary will be retiring as rector of St. 10 Forward In Mission ~ Pentecost 2010

11 I continue to assist St. Gregory s in Mansfield and now Holy Comforter in Cleburne as these parishes search for new rectors. Bishop Iker will assign an interim priest for All Saints, Wichita Falls, and St. John s, Burkburnett, at the end of the summer with the retirement of Fr. MacKenzie. Fr. William Crary is pictured (right) receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award during commencement exercises at Nashotah House Seminary. Also pictured (l-r) are Bishop Donald Parsons, Canon Hough, Bishop Keith Ackerman, and Canon Sandy Herrmann. Laurence in January 2011, after serving 24 years in that parish. Fr. Stephen Jones has resigned as rector of Holy Comforter, Cleburne, in order to become a Roman Catholic priest. We wish Fr. Jones, his wife, Kerri, and their family Godspeed. I will be serving as the interim at Holy Comforter beginning Aug. 1, in addition to my duties assisting the Bishop in the diocese. Fr. Ken MacKenzie, rector of All Saints, Wichita Falls, and vicar of St. John s, Burkburnett, will retire at the end of August. Fr. Ken and Mary will live in Fort Worth, where he will continue his priestly ministry doing supply work for the diocese and nursing home chaplaincy work. During commencement week at Nashotah House several of us, including students, faculty, and the seminary s Dean, participated in the service of burial for Canon John Heidt, who died last fall. Canon Heidt held an earned doctorate from Oxford University and celebrated 50 years in the priesthood in Though he served mainly as a parish priest, he had an avocation as a reporter and publisher of Anglican news and opinion. He became Canon Theologian for the Bishop of Fort Worth in 2002 and was a dear friend to many, both here and in England. An alumnus of Nashotah House, he was scheduled to receive an honorary doctorate degree from the House last October; it was presented to his widow, Katherine, at his Requiem Mass at St. Vincent s Cathedral. Katherine also attended the interment at Nashotah s historic cemetery, where a number of Anglican saints and luminaries, including Bishop Jackson Kemper, are buried. Bishop Iker officiated at the burial service, carrying the ashes in procession from St. Mary s Chapel along the cemetery road while the great seminary bell called Michael tolled. Canon Heidt and Katherine have been an inspiration to many of us in the diocese. May his soul rest in peace. 28 th ANNUAL DIOCESAN CONVENTION FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, NOV. 13 & 14, 2010 FRIDAY OPENING EUCHARIST Church of the Holy Apostles, Fort Worth DINNER Ridglea Country Club SATURDAY PLENARY SESSION Will Rogers Convention Center, Fort Worth hosted by the Western Deanery the Very Rev. Scott Wilson, Dean Forward In Mission ~ Pentecost

12 Diocesan Calendar - Pentecost 2010 Boldface type indicates Bishop Iker s visitations Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held at the Diocesan Center for Ministry January February March April May June July August September October November December 8/29 ST. VINCENT S CATHEDRAL, Bedford 8/31 10 a.m. Board of Trustees 9/5 ST. ANDREW S, Grand Prairie 9/6 Labor Day Holiday Diocesan Offices closed 9/9 1:30 p.m. Executive Council 9/11 St. Anselm s School of Theology begins academic year, St. Peter & St. Paul, Arlington 9/12 ST. MATTHIAS, Dallas 9/18 Family Fun Fest, Camp Crucis 9/19 ASCENSION & ST. MARK, Wise County (Bishop Wantland) 9/20 9:30 a.m. Clergy Day with Archbishops Robert Duncan and Mouneer Anis 9/21-23 ARDF Board of Trustees Meeting, St. Andrew s, Fort Worth 9/25 9:30 a.m. Day of Discovery, St. Peter & St. Paul, Arlington 9/26 ST. PETER & ST. PAUL, Arlington 9/27 1:30 p.m. Standing Committee 9/29 7 p.m. Ordination of Andrew Petta to the priesthood, St. Vincent s, Bedford Forward In Mission, a publication of the Diocese of Fort Worth, is distributed six times a year The Rt. Rev. Jack L. Iker, publisher; Suzanne Gill, editor (sgill@fwepiscopal.org) Offices & mail The Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, 2900 Alemeda Street, Fort Worth, Texas Telephone fax Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Fort Worth, Texas Permit No. (538)